12 | Latest tech, machinery Environmental benefits from the mill upgrade include reduced water usage from the Whakatane River and reduction in energy emissions. T T from page 11 Whakatane Mill REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “The upgrade includes a brand new press, a brand new film sizer, a heat and recovery upgrade, a high speed winder and fully automated wrapping line. The new equipment is designed to dry the board faster and more efficiently, reducing cost and allows us to speed up the machine and create the additional 50,000 tonnes of capacity.” With a total project investment of around $100million, the machinery and technology is all state-of-the-art that has been mainly sourced from Europe, and designed to make Whakatane Mill more competitive while also more environmentally friendly. “In our groundwood plant we will use significantly less electricity per tonne of pulp. The FBB machine will use thirty percent less gas per tonne of board made, and we are using less water as water is now recirculated in the manufacturing process. We certainly believe there is an environmental benefit in terms of reduced water usage from the Whakatane River and the reduction in energy emissions that we release into the environment.” Ron says a large proportion of the project investment was spent within New Zealand either with local suppliers of capital equipment, or contractors helping with the installation. “At one stage during the mill closure we had over 400 external contractors on site, helping to put the machine together. So, there has been tremendous benefit in terms of the local engineering and associated machinery industries. “This is a very big project by any body’s standards. There is also value created for food and beverage brand owners by having another 50,000 tonnes of FBB capacity available to the New Zealand, and Australian market.” While the project has resulted in a reassignment of some roles, Ron says when the mill approaches full volume some additional jobs will be created. Whakatane Mill is owned by private consortium who are industry experts within the manufacture of FBB. “They have owned the business for the last two and a half years and it is going very well.” HYDRAULIC SERVICES HOSE AND FITTINGS MECHANICAL & PRECISION ENGINEERING CONTROLS AND AUTOMATION AUCKLAND | BAY OF PLENTY | WHANGAREI Freephone 0800 255 525 IMG is a New Zealand based industrial specialist providing maintenance, capital projects, fabrication and specialist services to leading manufacturing, commercial, industrial and utility providers. enquiries@img.co.nz 0800 182 222 Engineering Excellence In New Zealand Industry Fabrication | Installation of Process & Services Piping Equipment Erection & Mounting | Plant & Equipment Relocation | Craneage, Rigging & Scaffolding 26 Fifteenth Avenue, Tauranga +64 21 084 71162 jacob@mpfengineering.com W www.mpfengineering.com
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